Some patients will be randomized to wear a motion sickness wristband which does not have any drug effect.

Device: Motion sickness wristband

No drugs are involved.

Experimental: Chewing Gum

Patients will be randomized to use chewing gum after surgery.

Dietary Supplement: Chewing Gum

Patients will be asked to chew gum for 20 minutes, four times daily.

No Intervention: Control

Usual post-operative care.

Detailed Description:

After operations for a ruptured appendix, children are usually not allowed to eat or drink anything. This is because the infection inside the abdomen and the manipulation of the intestines during the operation cause the bowels to stop their normal movement. The resulting lack of bowel function is called an "ileus". When this occurs, intestinal secretions and anything taken in by mouth can become backed up, causing bloating, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Children are not allowed to eat or drink anything during this time and require fluid hydration through an IV or even nutrition through an IV. This ileus usually lasts an average of 4-5 days, and can sometimes delay the discharge of children who are otherwise ready to go. The purpose of this research study is to determine if simple things, like gum chewing or anti-motion sickness bracelets can help speed the time it takes for the bowels to begin working after an operation for a ruptured appendix. Because the gum is not swallowed, it does not have the same effects as eating and drinking would on someone with an ileus. The same is true for the anti-motion sickness bracelets. Yet, it is thought that the chewing action from gum may stimulate the intestines into thinking that food is on the way and cause them to start working sooner than they otherwise might. The same may be true for the bracelets, and some studies show them to be helpful with nausea after surgery. Nevertheless, the effects of a bracelet on postoperative ileus are unproven.

Eligibility

Ages Eligible for Study:

6 Years to 18 Years

Genders Eligible for Study:

Both

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

No

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

any child who has undergone appendectomy for perforated appendicitis

Exclusion Criteria:

age less than or equal to 5 years

unable to chew gum safely

interval appendectomy

Contacts and Locations

Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study.
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the Contacts provided below.
For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00879294